[CacyBP promotes the proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer].

Objective: To investigate the effects and the mechanism of Calcyclin-binding protein (CacyBP) on the proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Methods: Six lung cancer tissues and paired normal lung tissues were collected from NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment in Jinan Central Hospital during 2016. The expression of CacyBP in these tissues was examined by western blot. The protein and mRNA expression of CacyBP in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE), NSCLC cell lines including A549, H1299, H460 and H1975 were examined by western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. RNAi and shRNA against negative control (NC) or CacyBP were transfected into A549 cell which were denoted as siNC group, siCacyBP-1 group, sicacyBP-2 group, shNC group and shCacyBP group, respectively. Control and Flag-CacyBP plasmids were transfected into A549 cells which were denoted as NC group and Flag-CacyBP group, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), plate clone formation assay and flow cytometry assay were used to assess cell proliferation ability and cycle of A549. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to assess abilities of A549 cells migration and invasion. The protein expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail1, Vimentin, and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (p-Akt) were examined in CacyBP depleted or overexpressed A549 cells. Results: The CacyBP protein level in NSCLC tissues was 0.41±0.23, significantly higher than 0.11±0.04 in normal lung tissues (P<0.05). The CacyBP protein expression levels in different NSCLC cell lines including A549, H1299, H460 and H1975 were 0.35±0.01, 0.38±0.01, 0.32±0.01 and 0.41±0.01, respectively, which were significantly higher than 0.03±0.01 in 16HBE cells (P<0.05). The result of RT-PCR was consistent with that of western blot. Compared with siNC group (absorbance was 1.54±0.03), siCacyBP-1 group and siCacyBP-2 group showed decreased cell proliferation (absorbances were 1.38±0.04 and 1.34±0.03, P<0.05). The number of cell colony in shNC group was 41.33±3.21, significantly higher than 22.00±3.61 in shCacyBP group (P<0.05). The proportion of G(1) phase in shCacyBP group was (61.35±5.45)%, higher than (49.61±1.54) % in shNC group (P<0.05). The proportion of S phase was (25.41±3.21)%, which was lower than (38.68±0.46)% of shNC group (P<0.05). The cell migration rate of shCacyBP group was (12.67±0.71)%, which was significantly lower than (35.50±2.07)% of shNC group (P<0.05). The numbers of cell migration and invasion in shNC group were 406.33±7.37 and 92.33±8.50, respectively, which were significantly higher than 224.67±10.01 and 66.00±7.94 in shCacyBP group (P<0.05). Compared with siNC group, the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin was up-regulated, while the expressions of mesenchymal markers including N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail1 and p-Akt were down-regulated in CacyBP depleted A549 cells. Compared with NC group, overexpression of CacyBP inhibited E-cadherin expression while promoted the expressions of N-cadherin, Snail1, Vimentin and p-Akt, which could be restored by LY294002. Conclusion: CacyBP may promote the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells by regulating Akt signal pathway.

[Analysis of low-dose computed tomography compliance and related factors among high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer screening program in urban China].

Objective: To analyze the compliance and related factors of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening among the high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer early diagnosis and early treatment program in urban areas of China. Methods: From October 2017 to October 2018, 17 983 people aged between 40 and 74 years old at high risk of lung cancer were recruited from Zhejiang, Anhui and Liaoning provinces. The basic demographic characteristics, living habits, history of the disease and family history of cancer were collected by using a cancer risk assessment questionnaire, and the data of participants examined by LDCT were obtained from the hospitals participating in the program. The screening compliance was quantified by the screening participation rate, and it was calculated as the proportion of participants completing LDCT scan among high-risk population. The related factors of LDCT screening compliance were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The age of 17 983 participants was (56.52±8.22) years old. Males accounted for 51.9% (N=9 332), and 69.5% (N=12 495) had ever smoked, including former smokers and current smokers. A total of 6 269 participants were screened by LDCT, and the screening participation rate was 34.86%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age group of 50 to 69 years old, female, passive smokers, alcohol consumption, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory diseases were more likely to be screened by LDCT, while the compliance of LDCT screening in current smokers was low. Conclusions: The LDCT screening compliance of the high-risk population of lung cancer in urban areas of China still needs to be improved. Age, sex, smoking, drinking, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory disease are associated with screening compliance.

[Metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological analysis of 196 cases].

Objective: To analyze the clinico pathological features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinomas. Methods: The clinical data, histology, immunophenotype and follow-up data of 196 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma diagnosed from 1994 to 2017 at the Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 142 males and 54 females, with a median age of 61 years. The top three metastatic sites for the 196 cases of metastatic renal cell carcinoma were lung (31.1%, 61/196), bone (29.1%, 57/196) and digestive system (19.4%, 38/196). Among the pathological subtypes of metastasis, the proportion of clear cell renal cell carcinoma was 94.4% (185/196) and that of type II papillary renal cell carcinoma was 3.6% (7/196). The TFE3 translocated renal cell carcinoma and congestive tubular carcinoma were rare, with 3 cases and 1 case, respectively. CK, vimentin, CAⅨ and CD10 were expressed in all metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas. CK7, CD10 and P504s were expressed in papillary renal cell carcinomas. TFE3 was expressed in TFE3 translocated renal cell carcinoma. The collecting duct carcinoma was positive for HCK. Conclusions: Lung metastasis and bone metastasis are still the most frequent metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma. Five years after primary lesion resection may be the high risk time for metastasis. Most of the metastases are solitary when they are first identified. To better diagnose and identify the renal origin of a metastatic renal cell carcinoma, one should consider morphological characteristics, clinical history information of the metastasis and the combined immunohistochemistry of CK, vimentin, CD10, CK7, TFE3, PAX2 and PAX8.

[Clinical characteristics of 10 patients with uremic tumoral calcinosis].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with uremic tumoral calcinosis (UTC). Methods: A total of 10 patients with UTC were enrolled in this study, who were admitted in the Department of Nephrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital from March 2013 to February 2019. Results: The average age of 4 male and 6 female patients on regular hemodialysis was (39.90±8.57) years. The average dialysis duration was(5.90±2.57) years. Three patients presented as single lesion of one joint, the other 7 patients as involvement of multiple large joints. Serum calcium was elevated in 2 patients,both over 2.75 mmol/L. Serum hyperphosphatemia was seen in all patients with average level 2.22 (1.94,2.44) mmol/L. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was remarkably increased in 9 patients with average level 1 348.0(854.8,1 800.0) ng/L, while only 1 patient reported slight elevation (92.4 ng/L).High-sensitivity C-reactive protein increased in all 10 patients with average 35.81 (17.60,74.20) mg/L. The imaging findings before treatment suggested that a large number of irregular masses of calcification shadows deposited in the soft tissue adjacent to the joints. The outlines of calcification were clear without significant bone absorption. Nine patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) were treated with parathyroidectomy, resulting in lesions diminishing or even disappearing. A total of 32 parathyroid glands were resected, and pathological results showed that 7 parathyroids were diffuse hyperplasia, 11 as diffuse/nodular hyperplasia, the rest 14 as nodular hyperplasia. At least one hyperplastic parathyroid gland was seen in each patient. Only 1 patient received medical therapy yet no obvious improvement was observed. Conclusion: UTC is a rare complication in patients on regular hemodialysis, which is usually associated with severe SHPT. Parathyroid surgery may improve the clinical outcome.

LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 promotes proliferation ability and invasiveness of bladder cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to explore the role and mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AFAP1-AS1 in the progression of bladder cancer (BCa) by in vitro experiments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: AFAP1-AS1 levels in 40 pairs of clinical BCa tissue samples and normal ones collected from BCa patients were determined, and paired sample t-test was applied to compare the differences between groups. The prognosis data of patients with BCa were collected, and survival analysis and t-test were performed to specify the interplay between AFAP1-AS1 and the prognosis of BCa patients. Subsequently, AFAP1-AS1 expression level in BCa and normal cells were further confirmed by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and transwell assays were performed to figure out the influence of this lncRNA on the proliferation ability and invasiveness of BCa cells. Meanwhile, the interaction between AFAP1-AS1 and its sense mRNA was analyzed. We used co-transfection technology to simultaneously transfect si-AFAP1-AS1 and pcDNA3.1-AFAP1 or their corresponding negative controls into BCa cells, and cell proliferation and invasion ability in different subgroups were determined to explore the underlying mechanism through which AFAP1-AS1 plays a role in BCa progression. RESULTS: No matter in BCa tissues or in cell samples, compared to the corresponding normal controls, AFAP1-AS1 was found highly expressed; at the same time, in invasive bladder cancer tissues, the expression level of AFAP1-AS1 was also higher than that in non-invasive tissues. Meanwhile, survival analysis revealed that patients with BCa with high expression of AFAP1-AS1 owned a shorter overall survival rate than those with low expression, indicating a negative interplay between AFAP1-AS1 expression and patients' prognosis. In addition, in BCa cell lines, according to the results of CCK-8, EDU, and transwell assays, the proliferative capacity, as well as the invasive ability of BCa cells, were found weakened after downregulation of AFAP1-AS1. Meanwhile, a negative interplay was discovered between AFAP1-AS1 and its sense mRNA. Finally, the results of cell reversal experiment using co-transfection technique revealed that overexpression of AFAP1 can reverse the inhibitory impact of lncRNAAFAP1-AS1 on the malignant ability of BCa cells. CONCLUSIONS: AFAP1-AS1 may enhance the proliferation ability as well as the invasiveness of BCa cells so as to aggravate the degree of BCa malignancy.

[Meta-analysis on related risk factors regarding lung cancer in non-smoking Chinese women].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of lung cancer in non-smoking Chinese women and to provide evidence for lung cancer prevention and control. METHODS: Information was collected on case-control studies published in the journals, both nationally and internationally from January, 1995 to November, 2014 that reported correlations between lung cancer and risk factors. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of risk factors on lung cancer in non-smoking Chinese women were calculated, using the Meta-analysis method, with sensitivity and publication bias tested. RESULTS: Information on 24 case-control studies was selected including 11 946 cumulative cases and 12 596 controls. Pooled ORs (95% CI) were shown as: history of lung diseases 1.89 (1.57, 2.27), history of tuberculosis 1.86 (1.53, 2.27), history of chronic bronchitis 1.51 (1.04, 2.19), family history of cancers 2.02 (1.67, 2.44), family history of lung cancers 2.45 (1.80, 3.34), passive smoking (at workplace in adult period 1.47 (1.28, 1.69), at home in adulthood 1.22 (1.09, 1.36), in all life's time 1.52 (1.29, 1.79), kitchen smog while cooking 2.21 (1.27, 2.96), position of kitchen 1.76 (1.48, 2.09), and frequency of deep frying per week 2.24 (1.61, 3.12) etc. respectively. CONCLUSION: Major risk factors related to lung cancer in non-smoking Chinese women would include lung diseases, family history of cancers, and passive smoking (tobacco smog and cooking smog). Particularly, the combination of family history and the degree of cooking presented stronger correlation effects, indicating that genetic and environmental factors jointly played an important role in the development of lung cancer.

Correlation between expression of S100A4 and VEGF-C, and lymph node metastasis and prognosis in gastric carcinoma.

This semiquantitative immunohistochemical study investigated the clinical significance of S100A4 and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) protein expression in gastric carcinoma. Correlations between S100A4 and VEGF-C immunoreactivity and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated using 108 gastric carcinoma specimens and 20 specimens of tissue adjacent to gastric carcinoma. S100A4 and VEGF-C expression in carcinoma was higher than that in adjacent tissues. S100A4 expression was significantly related to tumour size and lymph node metastasis, whereas VEGF-C expression was associated with invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) stage. A significant correlation was found between S100A4 and VEGF-C expression. Patients expressing S100A4 or VEGF-C showed no significant reduction in 5-year survival rate compared with those not expressing these proteins. Sex, age, tumour size, invasion depth, lymph node involvement, TNM stage, S100A4 expression and VEGF-C expression had a common effect on carcinoma prognosis but none was an independent prognostic factor.

Voice change after radiotherapy. Some preliminary results.

A one-third octave spectral analysis was performed on two sentences spoken by 5 patients with laryngeal cancer, 5 with head/neck cancer not involving the vocal cords, and 12 normal subjects. Recordings were made prior to and at weekly intervals during radiotherapy as well as at periodic intervals post-treatment. Patients with laryngeal cancer exhibited lower spectral levels than normal throughout radiotherapy as well as several months post-treatment. By one year after treatment, the spectral levels of these patients were largely in the normal range. Patients with head/neck cancer not involving the vocal cords exhibited greater than normal sound pressure levels throughout most of the spectrum. These levels remained high even at one month post-treatment. Irradiation of normal vocal cord tissue also seems to result in higher spectral levels.